DescriptionHematology and oncology, both subspecialties of internal medicine, are the studies of blood and cancer, respectively. Hematology focuses on the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of diseases of the blood, such as hemophilia, while oncology concentrates on the study and treatment of various types of cancer. The two disciplines are frequently intertwined (known collectively as Hem/Onc). Hematological disorders that overlap with oncology include leukemia, lymphoma and sickle-cell disease. Oncologists’ tools to diagnose cancer include blood tests, biopsies, computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams. Hematology and oncology specialists can also specialize in pediatric diseases, such as cancers of the blood (leukemia) in children.

Dr. burton was educated at the following institutions:

Medical School Attended:university of arkansas for medical sciences college of medicine

Year of Graduation:
2006

Dr. burton received medical licensing as follows:

Medical License:
Recieved in 2009

State Medical License:
Issued in the state of Arkansas

Dr. burton accepts insurance from these companies:

cigna

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Disciplinary Actions: Not Available

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An oncological hematologist uses special skills and training to treat cancer of the blood and the tissue that forms blood (bone marrow). They are hematologists who learn the emphasis of cancer of the blood as a subspecialty. Hematologists treat genetic (inherited) blood disorders, such as hemophilia, and are involved in blood transfusions, stem-cell transplants and bone-marrow transplants. Oncological hematologists may treat these types of conditions and conduct transplants, but they primarily focus on treating cancer, such as leukemia and lymphoma.

Where do oncological hematologists practice?

Oncological hematologists work in clinics, offices or hospitals where they specialize in treating patients with hematological disorders or cancer of the blood. Some may work in a hospital laboratory or manage a hospital’s hematology laboratory, where blood films, tests and bone marrow slides are observed under microscopes to diagnose cancer. Hematologists who work in a lab are often called hematopathologists.

When would I need to see an oncological hematologist?

Depending on your symptoms or medical condition(s), your primary care doctor may run blood tests to determine your blood cell counts. If results are abnormal, or other symptoms point to a possible blood disorder or cancer, your primary care doctor may recommend that you see a hematologist, possibly one who specializes in cancer of the blood.

What are some of the most common conditions and treatments that require a hematologist?

Anemia – A blood disorder in which red blood cell levels are abnormally low, causing tiredness and other symptoms.

Bone marrow transplant – A transplant of healthy bone marrow into the body; necessary when the body’s bone marrow doesn’t work properly.

Hemophilia – An inherited bleeding disorder. The blood doesn’t clot normally and it can cause uncontrolled bleeding both externally or internally; it may be life-threatening.

Hodgkin’s disease – Also called Hodgkin’s lymphoma, this cancer of the lymphatic system affects the immune system.

Iron deficiency – Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, impaired immune function and other conditions. A hematologist conducts lab tests to diagnose this deficiency and prescribe medication or a supplement.

Leukemia – Cancer of the white blood cells causing faster-than-normal growth of abnormal white blood cells. There are several different types of leukemia, including acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia, to name a few.

Myelofibrosis – Abnormal formation of a fibrous tissue in the bone marrow.

Myelodysplatic syndromes – A group of diseases in the bone marrow that causes a decrease in the normal production of blood cells in the bone marrow.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma – A group of several types of lymphomas (cancers of the lymphatic system). The cancer cells differ from the cells in Hodgkin’s lymphoma, but both types of cancers affect the immune system.

Sickle cell disease – An inherited blood disease resulting in malfunction and shortage of red blood cells in the body. The cells can also clot and block blood vessels, causing damage to organs in what is called “sickle cell crisis.”

Stem cell transplant – A transplant of healthy stem cells into the body; necessary when the bone marrow doesn’t work properly or produce healthy stem cells. This transplant helps improve healthy white- and red-blood cell production in the body.